Red chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce made with plenty of fresh herbs, bell pepper, garlic, olive oil and vinegar, perfect over grilled meats and seafood. Whip this together in minutes to add depth and sophistication to so many meals!
You'll also love my classic chimichurri recipe.
Red Chimichurri Recipe (Chimichurri Rojo)
Most of us have heard of chimichurri, that wonderfully bright and herbaceous sauce from South America. However! Did you realize there is a RED version of the recipe? May I present to you - Chimichurri Rojo, or "Red Chimichurri".
Just as vibrant and flavorful as its green chimichurri counterpart, chimichurri rojo can be added to numerous meals to add an entirely new dimension of zing factor.
It's very similar to traditional chimichurri, also an oil based sauce, but with the addition of red peppers which brings it's characteristic red color.
It's typically used as a condiment to top grilled meats and other street fare, though it works wonderfully as a marinade for most proteins.
It's extremely easy to whip together at a moment's notice, one of those recipes you might want to keep in your back pocket for last minute applications.
Here is how you make it.
Red Chimichurri Ingredients
At its core, chimichurri rojo is a collection of fresh vegetables and herbs processed with vinegar, olive oil and lemon juice. Let's take a look at what you'll need:
- Red Bell Pepper. Try roasted red peppers as a delicious twist. You can also use hot peppers if desired.
- Shallot.
- Garlic.
- Fresh Cilantro.
- Fresh Parsley.
- Red Wine Vinegar. You can use white wine vinegar.
- Lemon Juice.
- Red Pepper Flakes.
- Paprika. I love smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Dried or Fresh Oregano.
- Salt and Pepper.
- Olive Oil.
How to Make Chimichurri Rojo
Blend end enjoy! Yes, that's really all there is to it. Just add all of your ingredients to a food processor and process until you've achieved your favorite flavors. Use immediately or store it for later.
Boom! Done! Your red chimichurri sauce is ready to enjoy! I don't think recipes really get easier than this, do they?
Serving Red Chimichurri
Red chimichurri is famously served over flank steak, like chimichurri steak or churrasco, or other grilled meats.
I love it with chicken, shrimp, or seafood. It's also popularly served as a dipping sauce for vegetables or grilled foods. Check out my Chimichurri Shrimp Recipe.
It's also a wonderful marinade, ideal for marinating anything going onto the grill, including seafood, chicken, beef, lamb, or vegetables.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- You can add more or less of the ingredients. It's rather versatile and open to interpretation, so if you feel like adding in more chili peppers, go for it. Feel free to vary up the amounts of herbs and other seasonings.
- Use fresh lemon juice. This recipe calls for the juice of half a freshly squeezed lemon. Do NOT replace this with lemon juice from concentrate - the flavor will be all wrong!
- Consider roasting the bell pepper first for a delicious spin on the recipe. Also, fresh tomato is a popular addition.
Storage
Have any leftovers? Lucky you! Store your red chimichurri in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The oil may congeal a bit in the refrigerator, but will return to normal at room temperature.
You can freeze red chimichurri for 3 months or longer. I like to freeze them in ice cube trays for simple serving sized portions, then storing them in freezer bags. Or, see my Recommended Products section below for an excellent product for freezing foods.
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Recommended Product
Souper Cubes - 2 Tbsp, 1/2, 1 and 2 Cup Silicone Freezer Trays With Lids - Meal Prep and Kitchen Storage Solutions.
You will LOVE these cubes. I have been using them for over a year now and I use them for freezing sauces, salsas, soups, stews, and more.
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Try My Other Popular Sauce Recipes
That’s it, my friends! If you enjoy this red chimichurri sauce, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Red Chimichurri Recipe (Chimichurri Rojo)
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped (use roasted as a variation)
- 1 shallot chopped
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro
- ½ bunch fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the olive oil to a food processor and pulse on low to your preferred texture - chunky or smooth. Or use a molcajete.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the olive oil until well combined.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Notes
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 3/26/25 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 5/17/17.
Ramya says
I need to try this soon for me BTW cant wait to make your recipes soon for me
Mike Hultquist says
Enjoy.